There were new features announced for iOS 12 coming to iPhones in the fall. New features include third party navigation for CarPlay, RapidSOS, Activity Reports, App Limits and new Do Not Disturb and Notifications controls designed to help customers reduce interruptions and manage screen time for themselves and their families. FaceTime can now support up to 32 people with Group Facetime.
More Navigation Apps for CarPlay
Apple now allows development of Third-party navigation apps in CarPlay. iOS 12 with CarPlay supports third-party navigation apps, giving drivers even more choices for a familiar experience on the dash while they drive. We suspect that the major navigation apps players Waze and Google Maps to work in CarPlay some day, soon.
RapidSOS
911 call routing on wireless phones is difficult because the operator doesn’t have the exact location. New to iOS12 with RapidSOS , emergency responders can access location data “securely and automatically” when iPhone customers call 911. Apple reported that , user data cannot be used for any non-emergency purpose and only the responding 911 center will have access to the user’s location during an emergency call.
Currently, iPhone users with earlier iOS versions can download iPhone app called RapidSOS Haven app to share their exact location when calling 911.
Siri Intelligent Connections
Siri can now intelligently pair daily routines with third-party apps to suggest convenient shortcuts right when you need. Say if some typically picks up a coffee on the way to work, Siri will learn the routine and suggest when to place your order from the Lock screen. Users can also run shortcuts with your voice or create your own with the new Shortcuts app.
Do Not Disturb Enhanced.
“Do Not Disturb” while driving was launched in iOS 11 and has been found to reduce iPhone use while driving. However still 60% of drivers use their phone while driving.
For “Do Not Disturb” while driving. The iPhone detects when you may be driving and automatically silence notifications to keep the screen dark. Users have the option of sending an auto reply to contacts listed in Favorites to let them know they are driving and cannot respond until they arrive at their destination. It is supposed to cut down on distractions to prevent accidents.
Control Notifications, Screen Time, App Limits
iOS 12 gives customers more options for controlling how notifications are delivered. Instantly manage notifications to be turned off completely or delivered directly to Notification Center. Siri can also intelligently make suggestions for notifications settings, such as to quietly deliver or turn alerts off, based on which alerts are acted upon. iOS 12 also introduces Grouped Notifications, making it easier to view and manage multiple notifications at once.
Screen Time creates detailed daily and weekly Activity Reports that show the total time a person spends in each app they use, their usage across categories of apps, how many notifications they receive and how often they pick up their iPhone or iPad. Screen Time is account-based and works across all of a child’s iOS devices, so settings, reports and allowances are based on their total usage
The App Limits feature allows people to set a specific amount of time to be in an app, and a notification will display when a time limit is about to expire.
Screen Time also gives parents the ability to schedule a block of time to limit when their child’s iOS device can’t be used.
Student IDs Through NFC
There were rumors that that the iPhone 6 or later would be able to unlock car doors, home doors or hotel room doors through NFC with the iOS 12 update. Apple added Contactless student ID cards. With contactless student ID cards in Wallet, students can use their iPhones all over campus to access places like dorms, the library, and events; or pay for laundry, snacks, and dinners. It is conceivable that the same NFC chip could be further used for car doors in the future.
iOS 12 will be available for iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X.
You may want to add: Although 3rd party apps like Waze and Google Maps are now supported they are not available on carplay yet.